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Nita AF, Chanpong A, Nikaki K, Rybak A, Thapar N, Borrelli O. Recent advances in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders in children. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:1285-1300. [PMID: 38096022 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2295495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric gastrointestinal motility disorders represent some of the most challenging clinical conditions with largely undefined pathogenetic pathways and therefore limited therapeutic options. Herein, we provide an overview of the recent advances in treatment options for these disorders and their clinical impact. AREAS COVERED PubMed and Medline databases were searched for relevant articles related to the treatment of achalasia, esophageal atresia, gastroparesis, PIPO and constipation published between 2017 and 2022. In this article, we review and summarize recent advances in management of gastrointestinal motility disorders in children with a particular focus on emerging therapies as well as novel diagnostic modalities that help guide their application or develop new, more targeted treatments. EXPERT OPINION Gastrointestinal motility disorders represent one of the most challenging conundrums in pediatric age and despite significant advances in investigative tools, the palette of treatment options remain limited. Overall, while pharmacological options have failed to bring a curative solution, recent advances in minimal invasive therapeutic and diagnostic techniques have emerged as potential keys to symptom and quality of life improvement, such as ENDOFLIP, POEM, cine-MRI, fecal microbiota transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Florina Nita
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Atchariya Chanpong
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Kornilia Nikaki
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anna Rybak
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Woolworths Centre for Child Nutrition Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Osvaldo Borrelli
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Vaos G, Dimopoulou A, Zavras N. A Review of History and Challenges of Evidence-Based Pediatric Surgery. J INVEST SURG 2021; 35:821-832. [PMID: 34569397 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2021.1950875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence-based pediatric surgery (EBPS) refers to the use of the best available evidence in making personalized decisions concerning the management of each pediatric surgical patient. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review on past and present evidence-based clinical decision, and challenges in pediatric surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS A literature search was conducted according to a set of criteria in PubMed for historical and current peer-reviewed studies regarding EBPS. RESULTS One hundred forty-five full-text published articles focusing on EPBS findings over the past 25 years were included. The rarity of many congenital anomalies, the inability to establish multicenter collaborations, the failure to perform double-blinded studies in children, the pediatric surgeons' reluctance to perform ethically unacceptable sham operations and their skepticism shown in accepting and implementing the documented results instead of applying their personal clinical practice methods and surgical techniques are among problems that hamper the accomplishment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). CONCLUSIONS RCTs remain limited in clinical pediatric surgery practice due to problems in the design and publication of these trials. Moreover, skepticism exists regarding acceptance and implementation of the documented results of RCTs. Notwithstanding, pediatric surgeons must establish evidence-based centers in order to increase the number of well-designed RCTs, properly evaluate clinical research, make effective evidence-based clinical decisions and develop high-quality of pediatric surgeries care in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Vaos
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" General University Hospital, Haidari, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Dimopoulou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" General University Hospital, Haidari, Athens, Greece
| | - Nick Zavras
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" General University Hospital, Haidari, Athens, Greece
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Baram A, Essa RA. Determining long-term outcome of transthoracic Heller's myotomy when other methods fail: A single centere cases series. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SURGERY OPEN 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijso.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Clinical factors and high-resolution manometry predicting response to surgery for achalasia in children. J Surg Res 2018; 229:345-350. [PMID: 29937012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal achalasia is an uncommon condition in children. Although many interventions exist for the management of this disorder, esophageal (Heller) myotomy offers one of the most durable treatments. Our institution sought to review patients undergoing Heller myotomy concentrating on preoperative clinical factors that might predict postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2016, who underwent surgical treatment for achalasia at our tertiary pediatric hospital were identified and included in the study cohort. Electronic medical records for these patients were reviewed for clinical presentation variables, nonsurgical preoperative treatment, surgical approach, clinical response to surgery, need for postoperative treatment for ongoing symptoms, and high-resolution manometry (HRM) data. RESULTS Twenty-six patients were included in the study, and all underwent myotomy with partial fundoplication (median age: 14.4 y [interquartile range 11.6-15.5]). At a median follow-up of 9.75 mo (interquartile range 3.5-21 mo), 16 (61.5%) patients reported good resolution of their dysphagia symptoms with surgery alone. Two patients (7.7%) had perforation of the gastrointestinal tract requiring surgical intervention. Eight patients (30.8%) required additional treatment for achalasia, with 5 (19.2%) of these undergoing additional surgery or endoscopic treatment. Patients who had preoperative dilation did not have good resolution of their dysphagia (n = 2; P = 0.037). Two of four patients undergoing postoperative dilation had preoperative dilation. None of these patients underwent preoperative manometry. There was a statistically significant difference in the ages of patients who required postoperative intervention and those who did not (14.1 versus 15.2 y old, respectively; P = 0.043). In patients who reported improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease/reflux type symptoms after Heller myotomy, lower esophageal residual pressure (29.1 versus 18.7 mmHg; P = 0.018) on preoperative HRM was significantly higher than in those who did not report improvement after surgery. Higher upper esophageal mean pressure (66.6 versus 47.8 mmHg; P = 0.05) also predicted good gastroesophageal reflux disease/reflux symptom response in a similar manner. CONCLUSIONS Current analysis suggests that preoperative dilation should be used cautiously and older patients may have a better response to surgery without need for postoperative treatment. In addition, preoperative HRM can aid in counseling patients in the risk of ongoing symptoms after surgery and may aid in determining if a fundoplication should be completed at the index procedure. Further research is needed to delineate these factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Saliakellis E, Thapar N, Roebuck D, Cristofori F, Cross K, Kiely E, Curry J, Lindley K, Borrelli O. Long-term outcomes of Heller's myotomy and balloon dilatation in childhood achalasia. Eur J Pediatr 2017; 176:899-907. [PMID: 28536813 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-017-2924-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder: its optimal treatment in children is still a matter of debate. Records of children treated for achalasia, over an 18-year period, were reviewed.Forty-eight children (median age at diagnosis 10 years; range 3-17 years) were identified. Twenty-eight patients were initially treated with Heller's myotomy (HM) and 20 with balloon dilatation (BD). At last follow-up (median 3 years; range 1-5.5 years), 43.8% (21/48) of children were symptom free. The number of asymptomatic children was significantly higher among those treated initially with HM compared to BD (HM 15/28, 53.6% BD 6/20, 30%, p < 0.05). All children who underwent BD required HM due to symptom recurrence. The median (range) total number of procedures was significantly higher in the BD group (BD 3 (1-7); HM 1 (1-5); p < 0.05) with a shorter time to the second intervention (BD 14 months, 95%CI 4-24; HM 58 months, 95%CI 38-79; p < 0.05). Of 108 procedures, esophageal perforation occurred in two children after HM (two out of 48 HM procedures in total, 4%) and one child after BD (1/60, 1.7%). CONCLUSION Less than half of children with achalasia are symptom free after initial treatment with either BD or HM. HM, however, when performed as first procedure, provided longer symptom-free period and reduced need for subsequent intervention. What is Known: • Balloon dilatation (BD) and Heller's myotomy (HM) are safe and effective treatment options for achalasia. • Controversy, however, exists regarding the most effective initial therapeutic approach. What is New: • HM with or without fundoplication may represent the initial therapeutic approach of choice. • Initial BD may negatively affect the outcome of a subsequent HM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios Saliakellis
- Neurogastroenterology and Motility Unit, Department of Gastroenterology,, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Neurogastroenterology and Motility Unit, Department of Gastroenterology,, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Derek Roebuck
- Interventional Radiology Division, Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Fernanda Cristofori
- Neurogastroenterology and Motility Unit, Department of Gastroenterology,, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kate Cross
- Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery (SNAPS) Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Edward Kiely
- Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery (SNAPS) Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joseph Curry
- Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery (SNAPS) Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Keith Lindley
- Neurogastroenterology and Motility Unit, Department of Gastroenterology,, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Osvaldo Borrelli
- Neurogastroenterology and Motility Unit, Department of Gastroenterology,, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Abstract
Achalasia is a rare neurogenic motility disorder of the esophagus, occurring in approximately 0.11 cases per 100,000 children. The combination of problems (aperistalsis, hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and lack of receptive LES relaxation) results in patients having symptoms of progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and regurgitation. Treatment modalities have evolved over the past few decades from balloon dilation and botulinum toxin injection to laparoscopic Heller myotomy and endoscopic myotomy. Most data on achalasia management is extrapolated to children from adult experience. This article describes understanding of the pathogenesis and discusses newer therapeutic techniques as well as controversies in management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleem Islam
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, 1600 SW Archer Rd, PO Box 100119, Gainesville, Florida 32610.
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Pacilli M, Davenport M. Results of Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy for Achalasia in Children: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2016; 27:82-90. [PMID: 27901639 DOI: 10.1089/lap.2016.0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Achalasia is a rare disorder in children who are commonly treated by laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM). However, there are no large studies evaluating the results of LHM in the pediatric population, and the need of a concomitant fundoplication remains unclear. The aim of the study is to appraise the results of LHM based on a systematic literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS MEDLINE search of the English literature was performed for "achalasia," "children," "laparoscopy," "Heller," "myotomy," and "cardiomyotomy." Frequency of postoperative symptoms was grouped to calculate the percentage of patients with symptoms improvement. Incidence of postoperative gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) and dysphagia between patients with and without fundoplication at the time of LHM was compared by Fisher's Exact Test. P < .05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were analyzed (331 children, 1-19 years). All studies were retrospective case-series reviews. Intraoperative complications occurred in 33 patients (10%), with esophageal perforations in 31 (9%), and conversion to open procedure in 9 (2.7%). Fundoplication was performed in 271 (82%): Dor (n = 205, 76%), Toupet (n = 49, 18%), Thal (n = 13, 4.5%), and Nissen (n = 4, 1.5%). Incidence of postoperative GER and dysphagia was similar between children with and without fundoplication (P = 1). Forty-nine (15%) required re-intervention: pneumatic dilatations (n = 30, 9%), redo-surgery (n = 23, 7%), botox injection (n = 1, 0.3%), and medical therapy (n = 5, 1.5%). DISCUSSION LHM for achalasia is effective in 85% of children. Revision surgery is required in 7%. There is no difference in incidence of GER and dysphagia between patients with and without fundoplication. Routine use of an additional fundoplication might not be justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Pacilli
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, King's College Hospital , London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Davenport
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, King's College Hospital , London, United Kingdom
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Petrosyan M, Khalafallah AM, Guzzetta PC, Sandler AD, Darbari A, Kane TD. Surgical management of esophageal achalasia: Evolution of an institutional approach to minimally invasive repair. J Pediatr Surg 2016; 51:1619-22. [PMID: 27292598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical management of esophageal achalasia (EA) in children has transitioned over the past 2 decades to predominantly involve laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) or minimally invasive surgery (MIS). More recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been utilized to treat achalasia in children. Since the overall experience with surgical management of EA is contingent upon disease incidence and surgeon experience, the aim of this study is to report a single institutional contemporary experience for outcomes of surgical treatment of EA by LHM and POEM, with regards to other comparable series in children. METHODS An IRB approved retrospective review of all patients with EA who underwent treatment by a surgical approach at a tertiary US children's hospital from 2006 to 2015. Data including demographics, operative approach, Eckardt scores pre- and postoperatively, complications, outcomes, and follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 33 patients underwent 35 operative procedures to treat achalasia. Of these operations; 25 patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) with Dor fundoplication; 4 patients underwent LHM alone; 2 patients underwent LHM with Thal fundoplication; 2 patients underwent primary POEM; 2 patients who had had LHM with Dor fundoplication underwent redo LHM with takedown of Dor fundoplication. Intraoperative complications included 2 mucosal perforations (6%), 1 aspiration, 1 pneumothorax (1 POEM patient). Follow ranged from 8months to 7years (8-84months). There were no deaths and no conversions to open operations. Five patients required intervention after surgical treatment of achalasia for recurrent dysphagia including 3 who underwent between 1 and 3 pneumatic dilations; and 2 who had redo LHM with takedown of Dor fundoplication with all patients achieving complete resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Esophageal achalasia in children occurs at a much lower incidence than in adults as documented by published series describing the surgical treatment in children. We believe the MIS surgical approach remains the standard of care for this condition in children and describe the surgical outcomes and complications for LHM, as well as, the introduction of the POEM technique in our center for treating achalasia. Our institutional experience described herein represents the largest in the "MIS era" with excellent results. We will refer to alterations in our practice that have included the use of flexible endoscopy in 100% of LHM cases and use of the endoscopic functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) in both LHM and POEM cases which we believe enables adequate Heller myotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Petrosyan
- Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010-2970
| | - Adham M Khalafallah
- Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010-2970
| | - Phillip C Guzzetta
- Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010-2970
| | - Anthony D Sandler
- Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010-2970
| | - Anil Darbari
- Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010-2970
| | - Timothy D Kane
- Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010-2970.
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Gould JL, Rentea RM, St. Peter SD. Contemporary Management of Achalasia by Pediatric Surgeons: A Survey of the International Pediatric Endosurgical Group. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2016; 26:567-9. [DOI: 10.1089/lap.2016.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L. Gould
- Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Rebecca M. Rentea
- Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
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Zagory JA, Golden JM, Demeter NE, Nguyen Y, Ford HR, Nguyen NX. Heller Myotomy Is Superior to Balloon Dilatation or Botulinum Injection in Children with Achalasia: A Two-Center Review. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2016; 26:483-7. [PMID: 27135255 DOI: 10.1089/lap.2015.0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Achalasia is an uncommon disorder in children. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for achalasia. We investigate the effectiveness of symptom relief in patients who underwent endoscopic treatments versus Heller myotomy (HM). METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of all children (age 0-18 years) treated for achalasia at two pediatric hospitals from 2004 to 2014. Demographics, presenting symptoms, outcomes, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-three patients (61% male) were identified with a mean age at diagnosis of 11.6 ± 5.0 years. About 47.8% of the cohort had no comorbidities. Common presenting symptoms included weight loss/failure to thrive (87.0%), emesis (69.6%), and dysphagia (69.6%). Mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 18 ± 18.9 months. Nine patients underwent laparoscopic HM as their primary treatment, whereas 14 received esophageal dilatation (ED) as their first-line therapy. Patients who underwent ED as their initial treatment were younger (9.92 versus 15.6 years, P = .047). Patients who underwent HM were more likely to attain symptom resolution compared to those managed with ED alone (P = .004). Of the 14 patients who underwent ED initially, 10 subsequently required HM due to persistent symptoms. None of the 4 patients who underwent ED alone achieved long-term symptom relief and, on the average, required an increased number of procedures compared to their HM counterparts (5.25 versus 2.47, P = .010). There was a trend toward increased intraoperative mucosal perforation in patients who underwent preoperative ED and botulinum injections. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that HM is superior to balloon dilatation or botulinum injection in children with achalasia. We conclude that HM should be recommended for newly diagnosed children with achalasia as a first-line therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Zagory
- 1 Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
| | - Jamie M Golden
- 1 Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
| | - Natalie E Demeter
- 1 Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
| | - Yen Nguyen
- 1 Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
| | - Henri R Ford
- 1 Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
| | - Nam X Nguyen
- 1 Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California.,2 Department of Surgery, Miller Children's Hospital, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center , Long Beach, California
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Paediatric laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy: a single centre series. J Pediatr Surg 2014; 49:289-92; discussion 292. [PMID: 24528969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal management of oesophageal achalasia remains unclear in the paediatric population due to the rarity of the disease. This study reviews the institutional experience of the laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy (HC) procedure and attempts to define the most appropriate treatment. METHODS A retrospective review of children undergoing HC at a single institution was performed. Demographics, pre-operative investigations, and interventions were reviewed. Post-operative outcomes and follow up were evaluated. Data is expressed as median (range). RESULTS Twenty-eight children were included (13 male, 15 female) whose median age was 13 (3.2-17.4) years. Nine children underwent a pre-operative oesophageal balloon dilatation (OBD) a median of 1(1-6) times. Others included botulinum toxin injection (n=1) and Nifedipine (n=1). All had a pre-operative upper gastrointestinal contrast series, and twenty-five had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and manometry. All had laparoscopic HC with no conversions, and ten had a concomitant fundoplication. Post-operative intervention occurred in eight (28%) incorporating OBD (n=7), of whom four required a redo HC. One patient underwent a redo without intervening OBD. Follow-up was for a median of 0.83 (0-5) years with fourteen children discharged from surgical follow-up. Twenty-seven have thus far had a good outcome. CONCLUSION This study comprises the largest series of paediatric laparoscopic HC reported to date. It is effective with or without a fundoplication and is the best long term treatment modality available. OBD for persisting symptoms following HC may obviate the need for redo myotomy.
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Abstract
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a new endoscopic technique for the treatment of esophageal achalasia, with excellent results in adults. Three children with classic-type achalasia (mean age 9.6 years) underwent POEM in a single center. Mean basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure and Eckard score were 34.6 mmHg and 5.3, respectively. Mean length of myotomy was 10 cm. On average, POEM was completed in 60.6 minutes. No patients experienced postoperative complications or gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the 2 patients who completed a 12-month follow-up, complete symptoms relief was documented (Eckard score 0), as well as a significant drop of the basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure.
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Hallal C, Kieling CO, Nunes DL, Ferreira CT, Peterson G, Barros SGS, Arruda CA, Fraga JC, Goldani HAS. Diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and associated diseases of achalasia in children and adolescents: a twelve-year single center experience. Pediatr Surg Int 2012; 28:1211-7. [PMID: 23135808 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-012-3214-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although achalasia is a rare disorder in children, its symptom may mimic common childhood diseases. This study aimed to assess the diagnosis and management of achalasia in children and adolescents in a Brazilian single center during a 12-year period. METHODS Patients with achalasia were identified from a database built during the period of January 2000-January 2012 from a Pediatric Gastroenterology reference center. Information regarding demographic data, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up were described. RESULTS Thirteen patients were studied; median age was 7 (1-14) years. Most frequent symptoms were vomiting (84.6 %) and dysphagia (69.2 %). Weight loss occurred in 46.0 % of patients and chronic cough in 46.1 %. Associated disorders were Down's syndrome, Allgrove syndrome, and congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. Achalasia was misdiagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Six patients were previously treated as having gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma. Five patients had pneumatic balloon dilation as initial therapy whereas five had esophageal myotomy. Finally, 11 patients had surgical therapy with a favorable follow-up. CONCLUSION Achalasia symptoms may mimic common diseases in children, and therefore, may delay the diagnosis. This study emphasizes the importance of the clinical symptoms for the diagnosis of achalasia, mainly in those cases with associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Hallal
- Post-Graduate Program Sciences in Gastroenterology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Marlais M, Fishman JR, Fell JM, Rawat DJ, Haddad MJ. Health-related quality of life in children with achalasia. J Paediatr Child Health 2011; 47:18-21. [PMID: 20973860 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01884.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess self-reported QoL in children with achalasia aged 5-18 and compare this with both disease and healthy control children in a prospective study. METHODS All children diagnosed with achalasia at one hospital were asked to participate in this study by completing the self-report module of the validated PedsQL™ generic QoL assessment. All children attending a tertiary paediatric gastroenterology clinic from February 2009 to May 2009 with chronic constipation or inflammatory bowel disease were asked to participate in this study as disease controls. The PedsQL™ considers physical, emotional, social and school domains and is scored from 0-100. Healthy children were also recruited from the same site. Groups were compared using Analysis of Variance with Tukey's post-hoc test. RESULTS One hundred and sixty one children completed the assessment (90 (56%) male, mean age 11.3 yrs ± 3.4 years) including 17 children with achalasia, 44 with chronic constipation, 59 with inflammatory bowel disease and 41 healthy children. QoL was significantly lower in the achalasia group compared to both children with IBD (73 vs. 82, p = 0.035) and healthy children (73 vs. 84, p = 0.005), and was comparable to that of children with chronic constipation (73 vs. 74, p = 0.99). CONCLUSION Children with achalasia report a significantly lower QoL compared to children with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matko Marlais
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
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Lee CW, Kays DW, Chen MK, Islam S. Outcomes of treatment of childhood achalasia. J Pediatr Surg 2010; 45:1173-7. [PMID: 20620315 PMCID: PMC4011012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2010.02.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The optimal management of achalasia in children and adolescents remains unclear. The aim of this study was to review a single institution's experience with endoscopic and surgical interventions in children with achalasia. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of children treated for achalasia from 1978 to 2008. Patient demographics and interventions were reviewed. Outcomes after procedural intervention were evaluated. RESULTS Thirty-five patients with achalasia were identified, and data were available for 34 (age, 13 +/- 6 years; male, 62%). Eighteen patients underwent esophageal dilation (ED), and 16 patients underwent Heller myotomy (HM). Follow-up was available for 30 patients (ED, 15; HM, 15). There was symptom recurrence in 15 of 15 ED cases and 8 (53%) of 15 HM cases (P < .01). Additional interventions were performed in 14 (93%) of 15 ED cases and 6 (40%) of 15 HM cases (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Heller myotomy may provide more durable long-term outcomes, as defined by symptom recurrence and need for subsequent intervention, and may be considered the procedure of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance W Lee
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - David W Kays
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Mike K Chen
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Saleem Islam
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL,Address all communication to: Saleem Islam MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, 1600 SW Archer Road, PO Box 100119, Gainesville, FL 32610, Phone: 352-273-8800, Fax: 352-273-8772,
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Jung C, Michaud L, Mougenot JF, Lamblin MD, Philippe-Chomette P, Cargill G, Bonnevalle M, Boige N, Bellaïche M, Viala J, Hugot JP, Gottrand F, Cezard JP. Treatments for pediatric achalasia: Heller myotomy or pneumatic dilatation? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 34:202-8. [PMID: 20303225 DOI: 10.1016/j.gcb.2009.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Revised: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 10/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIM The treatment of achalasia consists of reducing distal esophageal obstruction by either Heller myotomy surgery or endoscopic pneumatic dilatation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the short- and middle-term results of these procedures in children. METHODOLOGY For technical reasons, children under six years old (n=8) were treated by surgery only, whereas patients over six years old (n=14) were treated by either Heller myotomy or pneumatic dilatation. RESULTS Of the children aged under six years, 75% were symptom-free at six months and 83% at 24 months of follow-up. Of the patients aged over six years, complete remission was achieved by Heller myotomy in 44.5% vs. 55.5% by pneumatic dilatation after six months, and in 40% vs. 65%, respectively, after 24 months. Both pneumatic dilatation and Heller myotomy showed significant rates of failure. CONCLUSION These results suggest that pneumatic dilatation may be considered a primary treatment in children over six years old. Also, where necessary, Heller myotomy and pneumatic dilatation may be used as complementary treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jung
- Service de gastroentérologie et nutrition pédiatrique, hôpital Robert-Debré, AP-HP, 48, boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris, France
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